AHS’s Shaganappi CHC services a diverse demographic of individuals and families from a variety of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Through functional programming exercises, it was determined that the original space needed to expand from 3,390 sq.ft. to 10,644 sq.ft. to accommodate expanded Public Health spaces such as clinics, administration, medication/clean utility, conference/training, waiting, baby weigh/measure, and baby change amongst others.  

Due to the needs of the site exceeding the project funding, Acorn Design developed a presentation to support AHS’s successful grant submission for the addition of a post-partum program - supplementary funding came from an anonymous donation through the Calgary Health Trust. Aspects of the project noted in the grant submission included, “Flooring, walls, ceiling and furnishings throughout the space all incorporate durable, easily cleaned finishes to withstand frequent use and harsh cleaning solutions . . . The material selections include calming colours, textural differences and neutral, natural influences to assist in the reduction of stress and anxiety of clients awaiting any invasive physical procedure during their clinical visit.”  

The construction components — designed in coordination with Omicron, the Prime Consultant, various engineers, and Acorn Design — addressed the client’s need for safety, visual privacy, and acoustical privacy by using security devices in each clinic room, privacy film on all glazing with strategically placed cut-outs, insulated modular partitions with multiple panel types, and acoustical ceiling panels in a variety of colors/acoustical ratings.  

The tenant improvement of AHS’s Shaganappi CHC is a portion of a multi-phased, base building and full-service, tenant improvement renovation — the first of its kind as a collaboration between the City of Calgary and AHS.

Photos by: Naveed Jessani Photography